Short Story-Take my breath away-Vik&Nags!Upd 7/26 - Page 11

Originally posted by: averma4583

Nargis sweety, kyun dil hai ki maanta nahin!🤣 😉 And of course we'd get along. Afterall we're neighbors! Me Canadian, you American! 😃

Hmm Vrushali is it that obvious that there's some khichdi cooking between Maan and me that even a 3rd person can notice! Yeh Maan bhi na!!!😆😆😆 Hamesha haath pakadne ke peechhe rehta hai! 😆 Main chahe jitna bhi koshish karoon, woh hai ki office ke samay bhi Majnu bana hua! Majnu Maan!😆😆

kya karein...pehla pehla...pyar hai..pehli pehli..baar hai...
jaan ke bhi anjana...kaisa..mera yaar hai...

Originally posted by: rushtrip

kya karein...pehla pehla...pyar hai..pehli pehli..baar hai...
jaan ke bhi anjana...kaisa..mera yaar hai...

Are you singing this from Maan's perspective or Nargis'?

Originally posted by: averma4583

Are you singing this from Maan's perspective or Nargis'?

Maan actually but cap fits her and Vicky as well...

Chapter 8

Nargis had worn an Indian dress, a black salwaar kameez with silver sequins like waterfall in vertical array. She had left her hair down with silver diamante clip fastening her hair on one side. She was very happy to receive a warm hug from Abs as she came in and they both then went together to meet up rest of the people. Nargis knew Tasha, Sasha, Adi, and Faz. They all raised their drinks to each other. Nargis was happy to see Abs also decked in a white salwaar kameez in silk and chiffon dupatta to go with it. It had heavy black embroidery in it.

The lawn was lit up with lanterns and discreet lighting to give a very romantic atmosphere to a moonlit sky. The breeze was cool and a separate dance floor had been set up with wooden planks to allow for dancing and tables all set up around it. Khurana mansion was a beautiful home with expansive lawns and even a pool area which was lit up to be the highlight of the evening. The buffet and bar were set up beyond it.

As they were all chatting, Maan comes up to them and joins and the party is in full swing with lots of great music, drinks and laughter mingling with people. Maan asked Abs' hand for dance and Nargis' evidence gathering mind confirmed that something was definitely up with them. Maan had not mentioned the reason for the party but looked like some sort of celebration was in the offing.

Maan held Abs close and nuzzled her neck as he spun her around the dance floor. Abs was deliriously happy to be in Maan's arms. It was just the other day that they had had that terrible fight and then Maan had said I love you and that had changed everything. She was still coming to terms with all this and was a bit shy of all the display of affection Maan did now a days. Even yesterday she had felt nargis' eyes move from her to him like she was watching a tennis match and she had tried to let him know but he had held her hand..when she had been trying to get him to stop staring at her. Maan had told her that they will announce their engagement once Vicky comes back.

She said. Stop it Maan! Everyone is looking. Maan smiles and says who cares! As such they are going to find out soon anyway that you are mine so they better not get any ideas. Abs laughs out at this open jealousy from Maan. Oh how love changed someone.

Nargis was enjoying the company of Maan's staff and mingling with them as she had mostly them as friends who happened to be clients. Maan and his staff had a very different demeanour outside office hours. They were a fun lot, except for Maan who today seemed to be in a different mode though. He seemed like a man in love happy to indulge his woman. She had looked up when she had heard Abs laugh at something Maan had said and sighed looking at this happy couple.

Adi said then They look beautiful together don't they nodding towards Maan and Abs. Nargis smiled her assent and said Abs is a very nice lady. I just met her yesterday but she made me feel as if we have known each other for ages. Oh Abs is like that, she can draw people out. Even in college she could be soft and sweet till you messed with her, he shook his head at memory of college days. Nargis was surprised to know that Adi and Abs were college mates. They then chatted about Abs and Adi's college life and Adi had some very funny anecdotes to tell. They were easily chatting about some of her experiences at Harvard Law when she saw Adi look beyond her in surprise and wave to someone behind her.

She turned and stood next to Adi to see who it was that had taken away Adi's attention to find the man who had haunted her dreams for last week striding towards them. He had not yet seen her and she could see that he looked a bit haggard though freshly showered from the wet hair and was wearing a classic Armani suit much like his brother Maan, only he seemed to fill it like it was second skin.

Nargis was trying to discreetly move away when Adi took her elbow and walked towards Vicky. Vicky then noticed nargis, narrowed his eyes, clenched his jaw and looked at Adi's hand at her elbow. As he came face to face with them, Vicky said Hi Adi! You always seem to know all the beautiful ladies! Adi laughed and said.Oh! Vicky! Hi as he put his hand out for a handshake with Vicky and said, This is Nargis! She is'before he could complete Vicky said.. Well good for you! And walked away! Without shaking Adi's hand.

Strange said Adi. Vicky is never rude. He must be jetlagged, he offered as an excuse to Nargis and smiled awkwardly. Nargis had lost her voice so she just gave a small half hearted smile and nodded. What was Vicky doing coming back she wondered as she saw Vicky go to his brother and hug him.

Abs and maan had finished their dance and Abs was talking with Sasha and Tasha when Vicky had arrived. He asked Maan clapping on his shoulder. Wow you giving a party? What's the occasion. I was surprised but thanks for warning me to change and come when I called you from the airport. This is good going. Maan could sense something troubling Vicky, he was his jovial self but his eyes did not have the twinkle that it usually had. He seemed to be forcing himself.

Vicky then saw Abs and asked maan so how has Abs shaped up? Is she a good find or what? When Maan only smiles and says I know what you were up to little brother, Vicky laughs a genuine laugh and then goes over to Abs!

Hey Abs, he says and goes and shakes her shoulders from behind..so how is my new VP holding up. I hope Maan did not give you much trouble. Abs smiled and turned at Vicky's voice and said well if I tell you that he did what will you do..Vicky in is usually flirty self said..oh I will whisk you away from him and ensure that he is taken care of. I shall defend you till my dying breath my love, he proclaimed to Abs. Abs laughed out loud and saw Maan giving Vicky a shake of his head and come towards them. Vicky! He said beware! Now I will not tolerate you pawing all the girls at the party. You didn't bring any of your usual girlfriends?

Vicky just gave a rueful smile and said.. oh!Oh! big bro! Proprietorial aren't we? He whispered so only Maan could hear then gave a squeeze of understanding to his shoulder and then said, let me go find myself a drink.

Nargis had moved away into a corner and was watching this interlude between Abs, Maan and Vicky and had shaken her head at Vicky's flirtatious ways. She mentally gave herself a lecture of how good it was to have not fallen for his charms.

Nargis was thinking of leaving the party without telling anything to anyone but then decided that she will tell Abs and leave quickly. She walked up to Abs after Vicky had gone to talk to others in the party and said, Hey Abs! it was lovely of you all to invite me but I have to go. I have an important meeting tomorrow and need to get an early night. Abs shook her head and said..no no..you cant leave now.. Adi..come give some company to nargis here, why don't you two dance. Nargis was protesting when Adi said. Come lets dance Nargis! I am quite harmless, I wont bite promise! Nargis laughed and said okay but then I have to leave.

Adi and nargis danced together and Adi was so funny that she could help laugh when he told some silly joke about his dancing prowess.

Adi was not one of the best of dancers but what he didn't know in technique he made up with style. And couple of times heeven stamped on her foot and they both burst out laughing. Just then, Vicky came and said, Adi may I cut in? Nargis was shocked and Adi was stunned but he didn't oppose. Vicky took Nargis' hand and twirled her and took her in his arms. He whispered, Are you enjoying this? Shoving your boyfriend in my face? You think I am jealous Zeno! Nargis tried to get out of his grip but he just pulled her hard against him and said No not tonight. You wont get away this time Garam Masala!

Stop manhandling me Vicky before I crush your nuts! Snarled nargis, not wanting to give in to him at all.

Vicky immediately eased up and said Sorry! You are the only woman who brings out the worst in me! Lets get out here! I want to talk with you.

Nargis not wanting to make a scene, walks with him up the steps towards the pool and turns and faces him when he stops near the outhouse entrance just off the poolside.

Vicky opens the door and says, please, lets talk in here, I don't want anyone interrupting us. Nargis a bit nervous, looks at him wildly and almost says no when the frustration and fatigue in his eyes stops her and enters the hall which is sparsely furnished with some armchairs and a couch, a coffee table, lamp and desk.

Sit says Vicky, nargis decides to stand near the sole window looking out, this window did not face the party but the other side towards the main house. She could hear the music faintly. Vicky started. Sorry! I have had a tough week but its no excuse to take it out on you. I did not know you were involved with Adi, else I wont have behaved the way I did.

Nargis tried to speak up to disabuse of his assumptions but he continued saying I am really sorry for my behavior in new york. I should have known better. I don't know what came over me. I tried to find out where you lived but I learnt that you had left the same day for India from your office.

Please Nargis, forgive me I have behaved abominably and for abusing you like that. My only excuse is that I was very attracted to you and I lost control when you told me those choice words and of course the slap.

Nargis blushed at his reminder of what she had done to him. She countered by saying Sorr..when he stopped her and said no today is my turn. I had not expected to see you here again. But now that I know you and Adi are together, I shall make extra effort to not come in the way.

With that he walked out of the house. Nargis was stunned at what had just happened here. He had behaved differently on the dance floor and here he seemed to be a different man. She thought of going behind him to tell him that Adi was not..her boyfriend..that she did not want him to not come in the way..Oh what was she thinking..she felt like someone had just trampled over her heart and walked away.

Nargis then realized as if a lightning bolt had struck that she had fallen in love with Vicky. Flirt or not, he seemed jealous of Adi and that was incredible in itself. She tried to think logically and put in some perspective what Vicky had said and done but she was not sure if what she thought was what Vicky was trying to say'.

She went out to find Vicky had made his excuses and left the party. She then decided to slip away herself.

Originally posted by: averma4583

Wow this is so me:
'She was still coming to terms with all this and was a bit shy of all the display of affection Maan did now a days. Even yesterday she had felt nargis' eyes move from her to him like she was watching a tennis match and she had tried to let him know but he had held her hand..when she had been trying to get him to stop staring at her.'

Yup, Vrushali you have captured me so well. My shyness and that little dimple that appears on my right cheek whenever I smile! And Maan's been making me smile so much 😳

And Vicky is so jealous yet so noble at the same time! Heart goes to him. Poor thing thinks Nargis is involved with Adi! Otherwise he wouldn't give up!

oh i am so glad...to have been somewhere close to what you are...

and yes vicky is so jealous...he does not know what to do..so he goes away probably to lick his wounds...
beware..nags..ek zakhmi sher..khatarnak hota hai...

Originally posted by: averma4583

Nargis sweety, kyun dil hai ki maanta nahin!🤣 😉 And of course we'd get along. Afterall we're neighbors! Me Canadian, you American! 😃

Hmm Vrushali is it that obvious that there's some khichdi cooking between Maan and me that even a 3rd person can notice! Yeh Maan bhi na!!!😆😆😆 Hamesha haath pakadne ke peechhe rehta hai! 😆 Main chahe jitna bhi koshish karoon, woh hai ki office ke samay bhi Majnu bana hua! Majnu Maan!😆😆

Abs shukar kar ke tera majnu to sirf Haat pakadney ke peechain rehta hain....mere wala to seedha KISSING pe hi paunch jata hain.....thoda EXPRESS hain!!😆

Chapter 9

Vicky went to his apartment that he kept for his indulgences. He did not want his daadi to be scandalized by his affairs. She was the only anchor who had kept him totally toppling over.

Maan and him had had a raw deal. Born with a silver spoon, they had grown up with all the trappings any outsider would want. But they had troubles like any family. Too much money did not necessarily bring happiness with it.

Daadi was the head of the family after Dadaji had passed away 10 years back with a shock of his son having an affair with his wife's sister. Their mother was a sweet, homely lady who what she lacked in social etiquettes that were de rigueur in such a prestigious family made up with TLC (tender loving care). Mr Uday singh Khurana was a stylish rogue who loved to trample women's heart without flinching. He had been forced to marry their mother Poonam out of respect to his father and the family prestige and money which he would not get should he have continued with his philandering ways. But mahinder singh khurana had not anticipated that he would be disgracing the entire family by sleeping with his own wife's sister Kanchan who always had been easy and wanting to spend the Khurana fortune.

Dadaji had disowned his father and banished him from home when he had learnt of the affair undergoing right under his nose and who had in defiance had taken Kanchan with him and both had died in that awful car accident. Mr Mahinder Singh Khurana had died of a heart attack at the news and Poonam had after that incident stopped interacting with people due to the betrayal of her sister and husband. She currently was living a life of a vegetable in a highly upscale institution without recognizing the family members. It was Daadi who had taken up the uphill task of taking care of two children, maan then 20 and Vicky then 16. The incident had scarred both the boys for life.

Vicky had given up visiting his mother after he had turned 18, refusing to accept the reality, he had made a make belief world where everything was hunky dory. He had become a prankster and lived his life like a big circus. After going to America, he had found, charm got him laid but was disillusioned with women and did not believe in love or marriage. He believed that involvement led to heart ache and he did not want to end up like his mother, a victim. So, he got into flings that were mutually satisfying. He moved on the minute he found the woman getting cozier than he was comfortable.

Maan had dealt with the pain in his own fashion. He had painted all women with same brush. That of Kanchan. He believed them to be gold digger or feckless tarts who were not worth his time. He had remained aloof except for Chloe who had initially seemed different but her betrayal had been the final nail in the coffin.

Vicky, tonight reminiscence the past because he was troubled. He did not think he was like his father. But tonight, he realized he had almost come in between two people who probably loved each other. He had been jealous and blinded. He had wanted nargis and he had the impression that she wanted him too back in new york till he had seen her with Adi.

He was disgusted with himself for being like his father. He cursed aloud and filled another glass of whiskey even though he knew the demons within hi were not going away with a few drinks. But he wanted the numbness that it would bring.

Vicky fell into a stupor on the couch in his living room with fatigue, jet lag and heart ache. He had come to the conclusion that he was going to stay away from nargis from this day forward and prove to himself that he was no where near like his father. He wanted nargis to be happy, not with a man who broke hearts like that of Adi, to get his prize catch. But why did he feel as if something was dying inside him. Why did one woman's face kept floating in front of him? Why did mere thought of her made his heart sing?

Wow....Vicky bechaare ki to vaaki hi VAAT lag gaye.......he is miserable....but so sweet. Loved his reaction upon suspecting that Adi and I are dating...or rather in love....and so sweet that he apologized for his rude behavior..and then made his escape to find some solace...some peace of mind and heart......when it didn't happen....his thoughts and feelings gave him no rest.....he gave into a stupor induced by whiskey......

I am almost tempted to go after him to his apartment to relieve him of his misunderstanding....but I think that that would be a dangerous proposition......its hard enough to handle a lucid Flirtatious Vicky......I can't even imagine how I would handle an elated drunk Vicky when he learns that I am not in love with Adi......

Kya kya mauke dhoondhe ga yeh jataane ke liye...ke he is in love with me......does he even realize or admit to himself yet that he is in love with me.....?


And me.....wow...my heart broke reading about his halaat in his apartment...alone and sad....and guilty feeling that he almost came in between me and Adi.....What is it that i feel for him....is it mere attraction.....or do I feel deeper for him.....the empathy that I feel right now...is it same empathy I would feel for any guy in this situation......or is it Vicky only who confuses me to no end...who riles me up one minute...enough that I want to gorge out his eyes...and then in the next minute...he touches my heart so....that all I want to do is run into his arms......ugh...why is this so confusing???😡

Vrushali...you are a tremendous writer...you have made me literally feel for this nargis and Vicky...this was a rocking update...thanks!!!

Chapter 10

Once, nargis got home and changed and went to bed, she found sleep eluded her. Her thoughts were still assimilating the meeting with Vicky, the dance, the rage and then the calm as if he had distanced himself from her from everyone. She could not connect the dots of the different Vicky she had seen so far.

He was this joker one minute, astute business man, a funny prankster, a raging bull, a compassionate companion, a skilled engineer, a smooth talker, a flirt, a jealous lover, a distant figure all into one whole being . She had never met a man quite like him. He had some similarities to his brother maan but he seemed more black or white compared to the kaleidoscope of a personality that Vicky was. Everytime you turned it, a new Vicky emerged, a more endearing, a more fascinating.

Nargis in her own room, by herself, finally admitted, she had fallen in love with Vicky. Yes, with every facet of Vicky. She found it staggering to realize this but here it was. In your face. She was in love. She had never imagined falling in love but if there were dreams that were not known to even her, she was sure..they did not include this pain in the heart. She had thought she will be happy, she will be elated once she falls in love. But this emotion was gnawing at her. She wanted to scratch something'she wanted to hit out at her helplessness. She did not like this feeling of utter vulnerability that made her want to run to Vicky, hold him and make his pain go away. Cos when he had left, she was sure she had seen pain there. She wanted to ease it but had been too surprised at the time to react to move'

Nargis decided, she will go and meet Vicky, clear the air between them, that Adi was not her lover, he was not even a friend..he was an acquaintance who happened to be comfortable in each other's company. God! What a mess.

Nargis was pondering all night on how she was going to confront Vicky. Of how she was going to talk to him. She then decided, she was going to talk to Abs and find out whereabouts of Vicky. This could not be done at office. It was too personal. She did not want to be rejected in front of his whole office. She will find his address and go to him in the morning. Coming to a conclusion, nargis settled in to her bed and dozed off into a dream filled sleep where she was falling off a cliff running behind Vicky who seemed to vanish and she woke up with a start to realize the sun had risen finally.

She got ready, fortified herself with some breakfast, even though her stomach was protesting and waited for an appropriate time to call Abs at KB technologies to find the where abouts of one Mr Vikram Singh Khurana.